6 Broncos Vets Who Could Be Pushed Out by Draft Picks

These Broncos veterans will be sleeping lightly until the NFL draft comes and goes.

Jan 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (28) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

For most fans and analysts, the NFL draft is one of the most exciting events of the offseason, if not the most. While adding young and exciting talent to the roster is a huge opportunity for teams to build a championship contender, it puts several players already on the roster at risk of losing snaps and even their jobs.

This is as true for the Denver Broncos as it is for any other team, and there are a handful of veterans who have to be sweating bullets over the next three weeks. Let’s start with what is easily Denver's weakest offensive position group: tight end. 

Lucas Krull & Nate Adkins | TE

Lucas Krull (85) and Nate Adkins (45) celebrate a touchdown. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The performance from the Broncos’ tight end room was abysmal in 2025, and after returning the same players, they’ll be looking for upgrades. Due to both Evan Engram’s contract and Adam Trautman’s three-year extension, those two are safe for 2026, but Krull and Adkins are in serious danger.

Krull was injured for most of 2025, only playing in three games, and in his four-year career, he has caught a meager 29 passes for 262 yards and one touchdown. Adkins has caught 24 passes for 185 yards and four touchdowns, and was also injured for much of last year, playing only nine games.

Their minimal impact, paired with a stronger tight end draft class this year, puts Krull and Adkins firmly in the conversation to lose their jobs. 

Jaleel McLaughlin & Tyler Badie | RB

Jaleel McLaughlin carries the ball vs. the Los Angeles Chargers. | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

J.K. Dobbins was re-signed to a two-year $16 million deal, and while inconsistent as a runner, RJ Harvey made an undeniable impact in his rookie season. With Dobbins’ extensive injury history (three season-ending injuries, including 2025), you would think that’d lend more snaps to other backs like McLaughlin and Badie, but that was not the case in 2025.

McLaughlin was a healthy scratch for most of 2025, playing in only eight games and carrying the ball just 37 times for 187 yards. Badie played in 16 games and was supposed to be a third-down back to help with pass protection, but he was terrible in that respect and only rushed for 23 yards on eight attempts.

Both McLaughlin and Badie are replaceable, and even in a weaker running-back class, there are several prospects who could step in and produce immediately as the No. 3 guy in Denver.  

Drew Sanders | LB

Drew Sanders celebrates a big play. | Steve Nurenberg / IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

Unfortunately for the often-injured Sanders, this year’s inside linebacker class is stacked. Sanders has only played sparingly due to the talent ahead of him, and an Achilles tear in 2024 and an ankle injury in 2025.

The former third-round pick is on the outside looking in, with Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton mentioning that edge rusher Jonah Elliss will be getting snaps at inside linebacker this upcoming season. Payton’s comments, a strong linebacker class, and missed time due to injury are likely too much to overcome for Sanders.

Brandon Jones | S

Brandon Jones. | Kevin Langley / IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

This may seem like a stretch, but Jones may need to watch his back going into the NFL draft. He suffered a pectoral tear against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15, and after his timeline was pushed back from the playoffs to the AFC championship game to the Super Bowl, he was ultimately shut down for the season. 

Since Jones was placed on injured reserve, we haven’t received any updates on his status post-injury, which is concerning. Fellow safety Talanoa Hufanga has had injury problems in the past as well, and adding a safety in the draft is very likely to help bolster Denver's depth.

Jones’s injury, paired with inconsistent play in 2025, may lead to him becoming a surprise cut candidate, especially if Denver lands one of the many talented safeties in the draft. 

The Takeaway

These six Broncos should be anxious when the draft rolls around, as there is a case for each of them to lose time or even their jobs to a young draftee. Whether it be injury or lack of production, the Broncos should look to upgrade over these players to keep their roster strong and push for Super Bowl 61. 

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